Historical fiction novel taps into Iowa history

Most of the World War II stories I read are set in Europe. A few are set in the United States, but usually on the coast. What grabbed my attention about this particular World War II novel - 'Stars Over Clear Lake” by Loretta Ellsworth - was that it was set in Iowa. Yes, my home state, and far away from those fighting in the war.

In Ellsworth's first adult fiction novel, she uses the magical and well-known setting of the Surf Ballroom, the last venue Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and 'The Big Bopper” played before their plane crashed. Her setting is during the prime World War II years when many families in Iowa were sending their sons off to fight. Many would never see them again.

Lorraine is a teenager who watches her brother, Pete, go off to war. Pete is her mom's favorite, and life at home isn't the same once he leaves. Instead, Lorraine spends time on the farm with her father and the prisoners of war from the camp in nearby Algona. They help on the farm since her brother is off to war.

As you can imagine, her mom, as well as many others in the community, do not appreciate having 'the enemy” on their land and in their communities. As Lorraine grows up, she struggles with following her heart or following what people expect her to do. She has an amazing voice and spends many nights dancing and dreaming about singing at the Surf. One night, her dream comes true and she sings for Jimmy Dorsey at the Surf Ballroom. What happens later that evening will change everyone's lives forever.

Ellsworth jumps between 2007 and the 1940s in telling Lorraine's story both as a teenager and as an elderly woman. She has a strained relationship with her daughter, much like her relationship with her own mother. When the secret she has kept her whole life starts to eat away at her and affect her health, she begins to relive that fateful night and wonders if her daughter will ever be able to understand.

As an Iowan, I am ashamed to admit that I had never been to the Surf Ballroom or heard about the POW camps before this book. Ellsworth shares much detail and history to inform the reader and bring the ballroom to life on the pages. The emotions and passions of the characters seep off the pages with honesty. The experiences of life during the 1940s take you back to a simpler, but unsure time in our history and the present day story reminds us of our own regrets of the past.

Fans of historical fiction will appreciate the attention to detail and little-known parts of Iowa history.

Besides the family featured in this story, the Surf Ballroom stands alone bringing its own bit of magic to the story. It makes you want to visit and see what stories come to life while you are there.

Writing this story was a tribute to Ellsworth's own parents' love story, and one she can certainly be proud of.